Research Administration Coordinator

Job Responsibility:

Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) is a community of learning grounded in scholarship and academic freedom, preparing students to be independent thinkers, ethical leaders and citizens for the common good. CUE campus is situated on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton's historic Highlands neighborhood. Supporting a student body of over 3,000, we are known for our small class sizes and our excellence in teaching. Our small classes and diverse student population provide an excellent opportunity for engaging with students in a sustained and nurturing way unique within the Canadian university system. CUE is an institution that values research in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and management. Our vision is to become Canada's pre-eminent small university. CUE is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for work, study, and living. We actively promote dignity for all, rejecting action and language that are harmful to mutual respect.

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President Research and Innovation (AVP-RI), the Research Administration Coordinator is a key member of the service-oriented Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). They are an integral part of the daily operations in the Research Administration Services (RAS) Unit within the ORI. The incumbent works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to provide CUE researchers, scholars, and artists (faculty and students) guidance, support, and hands-on end to end (pre and post award) research administration, while adhering to sponsor, as well as CUE policies and associated procedures. The incumbent works with other CUE administrative units to ensure that the institution has efficient and straightforward processes in place to promote and manage sponsored research grant opportunities. The incumbent promotes best practices of grant facilitation and coordination and maintains current knowledge of the research funding landscape by monitoring resources, working with colleagues in the research administration community at post-secondary institutions, and liaising with sponsors and funding agencies. The Research Administration Coordinator works with the Senior Grants and Contracts Officer and other ORI team members in the development of key foundational aspects of the ORI, including procedures, policies, guidelines, and processes. The incumbent is responsible for the research trust compliance review according to the institutional principles for the responsible use of research funds. The activities of this position support the goals of the Strategic Research and Innovation Plan and reflect the objectives of institutional objectives, the policies of sponsors, including the Tri-Agencies, as well as other applicable regulatory structures. The Research Administration Coordinator will also be responsible for the communication needs of the RAS unit in the ORI. The incumbent will develop, implement, and monitor communication efforts (i.e.: research bulletins, seminar announcements, website updates, social media, etc.) to increase the profile of the research and innovation efforts of CUE faculty and students among key internal and external target audiences. The incumbent endeavors to integrate and advance CUE's commitments to Indigeneity, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and to convey respect for those undertaking research, scholarly, or artistic endeavours.

Responsibilities:

• Performs the required daily activities and operations of the service-oriented Research Administration Services Unit.
• Reviews and processes internal transfer forms, employee and non-employee expense claim forms (or related forms), ensuring compliance with terms of grants / contracts / awards and the principles for the responsible use of research funds.
• Prepares letters of award or notices of decision for internal research grants and awards programs.
• Schedules grant training sessions or grant related workshop meetings.
• Maintains research-related records up to date in CUE's software programs (i.e.: ROMEO, etc.).
• Maintains CUE's Grant Tracker records up to date.
• Contributes to the development, implementation, promotion, evaluation, and delivery of services related to CUE's research enterprise.
• Supports the Senior Grants and Contracts Officer with research grant contracts and agreements received by the university, including but not limited to, award set-up, budget management and reporting, and end of project reporting and close-out. This also includes liaising with other ORI units, such as Research Ethics and Safety to acquire approvals on research projects, as needed.
• Support the review of grant applications/proposals for accuracy and completeness as these relate to budgets, as well as compliance with funder and CUE policies and guidelines.
• Maintains an inventory of funding opportunities available to researchers (faculty & students) at CUE.
• Works with other ORI team members to manage the content of the research website, as well as prepare / share research-related information for the ORI e-newsletter.
• Maintains the institutional database of all internal and external funding applications.
• Develops and retains in-depth knowledge and understanding of Tri-Agency, and other grant opportunities; keeps up-to date on research funding programs, deadlines, application guidelines, policies/procedures, and regulations.
• Liaises with other units at CUE to develop efficient and effective workflow processes related to funding applications, as well as grant agreements and contracts.
• Manages and coordinates internal research grant and award processes by preparing the documentation required for adjudication processes and other activities of internal research committees.
• Actively participates and collaborates in the development of institutional and strategic planning including contributing to institutional reports.
• Coordinates or assists in events and activities organized by the ORI team, or by the institution.
• Maintain a professional image and demeanor with all employees, management, executives, and visitors at all times.
• Seeks learning opportunities, mentorship, and professional development that enhances their efficacy in the role.
• Other duties, relevant to the position, shall be assigned as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in working with a large degree of independence, in a self-sufficient manner.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly in both written and verbal form with attention to detail, grammar, and spelling is required.
• Experience delivering presentations and workshops is desired.
• A commitment to providing exceptional service with a positive and professional approach is required.
• Excellent judgement and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion in all interactions is required.
• Effective problem solving and troubleshooting skills are required.
• Ability to demonstrate competencies in the areas of professionalism, results orientation, organizational understanding, teamwork, flexibility/adaptability.
• Excellent time management skills - must be able to prioritize and manage workload to meet the multiple demands of the position.
• Data entry and keyboarding skills is required.
• Ability to be a team player.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check results.

Education and Qualifications:

• A degree in Finance Administration, with at least three years of experience in research administration is required. Other types of education and experience will also be considered.
• A Research Administration Certificate, or related training, is an asset.
• Proficiency in Windows using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Google Suite (i.e.: Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Docs, etc.), applications, and databases.
• Experience in a post-secondary institution is needed.
• Working knowledge of Canadian research funding agencies and programs, as well as their guidelines, policies, and procedures, including:
• Major Tri-Agency grant funding programs (SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR);
• Principles for responsible use of research funds;
• Knowledge of Research Ethics processes, as specified by TCPS 2 (2022) and CCAC.

This position is to be performed in-person and is primarily sedentary, requiring the incumbent to work in an office sitting at a desk. Minimal lifting of office supplies, boxes, etc. may be required. This position may also require the incumbent to walk between various buildings across campus, including the Ralph King building. This position requires some degree of flexibility in working hours to accommodate deadlines or work outside normal hours during events.

Closing Date: Application review will commence after July 2, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please include a cover letter and resume in confidence to People and Culture at Concordia University of Edmonton.

Concordia University of Edmonton encourages applications from members of racialized groups, visible minorities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and others who may support a diversity of perspectives at CUE. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.